Official Press Release

For the fifth consecutive year, comic book retailers worldwide will join with publishers to promote the comic medium and their stores everywhere on Saturday, May 6 - Free Comic Book Day 2006 - and this year's eagerly awaited roster of participating publishers and titles has been announced.

This year's Gold Sponsor publishers, and their Free Comic Book Day Editions - available at all participating Free Comic Book Day stores - include:

Additionally, the following publishers have signed on as Silver Sponsors and will provide the following books for this year's event:

Please Note: Availability of Silver Sponsor titles and additional items may vary between participating stores, so please check with your retailer for availability.

Images for this year's titles can be found online at the Free Comic Book Day website, http://www.freecomicbookday.com.

Also on tap for Free Comic Book Day: Viz Media will publish Viz Samplers for manga lovers; WizKids LLC will create a Marvel HeroClix Wolverine Figure for players of its popular collectible Miniatures Game; and Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles will give toy collectors an exciting new addition with its Stargate Jack O'Neil Action Figure from the highly anticipated toy line based on the hit Sci Fi Channel series. Please Note: Availability of these items may vary between participating stores. Please check with your retailer.

"Based on the feedback we received from retailers, publishers, and fans, last year's Free Comic Book Day was our most successful to date," said Free Comic Book Day Spokesperson Elissa Lynch. "To make this year's even more of a success, we encourage comic fans to spread the word among their friends and family members - especially those who don't normally read comics - and bring them to their favorite participating comic shop on May 6. They'll see that our medium truly offers something for everyone!"

Readers can also show their support for Free Comic Book Day with a bevy of apparel offered in the January 2006 Previews catalog, including Baseball Caps, T-shirts (Regular and - making its debut - Baby Doll styles), and Polo Shirts. Plus, for the first time ever, fans can send word of the big day anywhere with Free Comic Book Day Postage Stamps! Fans can order these great promotional items at their local comics shop. Those who are looking for a store in their area can call the Comic Shop Locator Service at 888-COMIC-BOOK, or log on to www.comicshoplocator.com.

More information and updates about Free Comic Book Day 2006 can be found online at http://www.freecomicbookday.com. Retailers can order their copies of this year's Free Comic Book Day titles from the February Previews Retailer Order Form. Free Comic Book Day promotional items can be ordered from the January and February Previews.